Prince Rupert workshop on Dementia to offer support for area residents

One of the most challenging situations that families can have comes with the onset of dementia for a family member or friend, a time of life that make for frustrations and anxiety for those that offer care.

To let North Coast residents know that they aren't alone and to offer up information on supports that are available, the Alzheimer's Society of BC, a non profit agency in the province, is bringing its Dementia Friends Workshop to the Northwest.

The Free Session for Prince Rupert is set for Monday, September 17th from 9:30 AM to Noon in Room 188 at Coast Mountain College, on Fifth Street.

Pre-registration is required for Monday workshop, you can do so by calling 1-866-564-7533 or at info.princegeorge@alzheimerbc.org.

The session provides an opportunity to enhance your knowledge of how to best support people living with dementia in the community.

Sandra Meehan, who is one of the Society's Support and Education Coordinators for the Prince Rupert, Skeena, Northern Interior and Peace region notes how support in home communities can have a positive impact on the lives with those with dementia.

“We can all play a role in making our community a great place to live for people with dementia,”

For Laurie De Croos, another Support & Education Coordinator, the key to the upcoming sessions is how:

“The workshop aims to bring us one step closer to a dementia-friendly province where people living with dementia are supported and included in their communities,” 

As part of the two and half hour program in Prince Rupert participants will get an introduction to dementia that will help them recognize when someone may be living with the disease.

The session includes helpful strategies and tips for communicating with people who are living with dementia, and information on where to get more help.

The Dementia Friends Workshops will be taking place across Northwest British Columbia with stops planned for Terrace, Kitimat, Hazelton, Smithers, Houston and Burns Lake.

To find out when they will be in your community call Ms. De Croos or Ms. Meehan at 1-866-564-7353 

A newsletter that outlines their Fall plans can be reviewed here.

The Alzheimer Society of British Columbia also offers up a range of assistance programs and has more information for those who are a care giver or a person living with dementia.

You can access those resources from the  FirstLink Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033.

For more background on the work of the Alzheimer Society of BC see their website here.

A look at more Community events on the North Coast can be found here.


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